Pine-feeder
Guides
Colaspis pini
Pine Colaspis
Colaspis pini, commonly known as the pine colaspis, is a leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. First described by American entomologist Herbert Spencer Barber in 1937, this species is known to feed on pines in the southern United States. It has been documented as an occasional pest of Christmas trees. The species is externally almost identical to Colaspis flavocostata but can be distinguished by the shape of the male aedeagus. Two subspecies are recognized: C. p. pini and C. p. schotti.
Eacles imperialis pini
Imperial moth (pini subspecies), pine-feeding Imperial moth
Eacles imperialis pini is a subspecies of the Imperial moth, a giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae. This subspecies is notable for its association with pine and other coniferous trees as larval hosts, distinguishing it from nominate populations that feed primarily on deciduous trees. Adults are large, visually striking moths with yellow and purple-brown patterning. The subspecies occurs in North America, with documented populations on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, where it has persisted while other Imperial moth populations in New England have declined or been extirpated.
Feralia major
Major Sallow
Feralia major is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of approximately 40 mm. It occurs across the northeastern United States and southern boreal forest of Canada, extending west to Alberta. Adults are active in April, with timing varying by location. The species was first described by John Bernhardt Smith in 1890.
Hypagyrtis esther
Esther Moth
Hypagyrtis esther, commonly known as the Esther Moth, is a species of geometrid moth first described by William Barnes in 1928. The species exhibits a broad distribution across the eastern and central United States. Adults display extended flight periods with regional variation in timing. Larvae are specialized feeders on pine foliage.
Lophocampa ingens
Lophocampa ingens is a tiger moth in the family Erebidae, described by Henry Edwards in 1881. It is endemic to the southern Rocky Mountains of the United States and Mexico. Adults are active in late spring, while larvae feed on several pine species. The species is distinguished by its patterned forewings with multiple rows of white spots on a dark brown background.
Macaria transitaria
Blurry Chocolate Angle
Macaria transitaria is a small geometrid moth commonly known as the blurry chocolate angle. It is native to North America and recognized by its relatively compact wingspan of 23–26 mm. The species is associated with pine forests, as its larvae feed on Pinus species.
Ocnerostoma piniariella
White Pine Ermel
A small European moth in the family Yponomeutidae, characterized by its narrow, light grey forewings and grey hindwings. Adults fly in a single generation during summer months. The species is closely similar to Ocnerostoma friesei and requires careful examination for identification.
Polyphylla occidentalis
Western Ten-lined June Beetle, Western Lined June Beetle
Polyphylla occidentalis is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the western ten-lined June beetle or western lined June beetle. It is native to the southeastern United States, where adults are active during warm summer months. The species is characterized by brownish coloration with white longitudinal stripes and enlarged, fan-like antennae in males that function in detecting female sex pheromones. Larvae develop underground, feeding on plant roots.
Xestia elimata
Southern Variable Dart, Variable Climbing Caterpillar
Xestia elimata is a noctuid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are active in autumn with a single generation per year. The species is part of a cryptic complex with X. praevia and X. badicollis, which may represent a single species based on genital and DNA similarities. Larvae feed on hard pines.
Xyelinae
xyeline sawflies
Xyelinae is a subfamily of primitive sawflies within the family Xyelidae, representing one of the earliest-diverging lineages of Hymenoptera. Members are small to medium-sized insects with distinctive morphological features including broad heads and relatively short antennae. The subfamily includes extant genera such as Xyela and Pleroneura, with larvae that develop in plant tissues. Xyelinae sawflies are primarily associated with conifers, particularly pines, where they exhibit specialized host relationships.